Applied Social Studies

This one year course will aim to prepare participants for work with people in a social care, community development or residential setting. The care worker needs the social, communication and caring skills to work with individuals and groups. Many of the skills acquired will be transferable for use with adolescents, families and the elderly in a caring, educational or development role.

The Applied Social Studies QQI course will lay a foundation for these skills and provide the work experience to put learning into practice. This course will serve as training for social care/community care/healthcare industries or as a link to Applied Social Studies/Social Care or Nursing certificate or degree courses in many IT colleges throughout the country.This programme is ideal for both school leavers and experienced mature persons seeking a formal education. A Year 2 QQI Level 6 certificate is also available in Dunboyne College of Further Education.

course content

A theoretical approach to community and health services/social studies will be complemented by practical experience. The following modules will be offered in 2016 subject to availability and demand:

Social Studies

Communications

Psychology

Work Experience

Intercultural Studies

Word Processing

Safety & Health at Work

Young People & Society

Human Growth & Development

certification

QQI Level 5 in Applied Social Studies 5M2181

career opportunities

Graduates may pursue a certificate or degree course in many of the IT colleges or universities around the country or alternatively may seek immediate employment in a range of Community Care, Health Care, and Community Development centres/initiatives. There are now a large range of Social Studies or Community Care certificate and degree courses available to graduates on the newly expanded QQI links programme.For example there are 10 places in Maynooth University through Social Science and 83 through First Arts as well as five places in UCD and a large quota in other third level colleges like IT Blanchardstown, DIT and IT Dundalk.

entry requirements

Leaving Cert or LCAMature Students of all backgroundsOther equivalent qualificationAll applicants will be interviewed regardless of previous qualifications